[Michigan, April 8, 2024]:
As we address the recent events at the al-Quds rally in Dearborn last Friday (April 5, 2024), it’s important to make our stance clear.
We, as a community, unequivocally denounce the inflammatory speeches and chants that emerged from that gathering. These expressions do not reflect the values of Arab Americans and Muslims in Dearborn or anywhere else.
America, our cherished home, has provided us with unparalleled opportunities to pursue our dreams and nurture our families across generations. It’s a place where we’ve been able to live out those dreams, contributing to its rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs.
To the speakers responsible for inciting such discord, know this: your messages of extremism do not resonate with us. Critiques of our nation’s foreign policies should not translate into blanket condemnations. Your perspectives do not represent our aspirations, our community, or the values we uphold.
As proud Americans, we embody the spirit of the American dream, free from the shadows of your divisive rhetoric.
In condemning these actions, we reaffirm our commitment to Dearborn as a city that embodies diversity and inclusivity. A city that opens its arms to all, irrespective of their background. Your views have no place in the fabric of our community.
In unity, we stand firm in our belief that America remains a land of endless possibilities, a place where all are welcome to build, dream, and thrive. Let us not be swayed by voices of division but instead come together to celebrate the strength in our diversity.
Signed by the:
The Arab American & Muslim Community in Dearborn.
Media Contacts:
Osama Siblani, Arab American News / Imad Hamad, American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA)
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/15/opinions/death-to-america-chants-palestinian-rally-dearborn-obeidallah/index.html
Statement signed by (This list is not final)
Organizations
◦ American Human Rights Council (AHRC)
◦ Leaders Advancing & Helping Communities (LAHC)
◦ Islamic Center of Detroit (ICD)
◦ The Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC)
◦ Arab and Muslim Political Action Committee (AMPAC)
◦ Yemen American Benevolent Association (YABA)
◦ Yemeni American Chamber of Commerce (YACC)
◦ American Center for Justice (ACJ)
◦ American Muslim Leadership Council (AMLC)
◦ Yemeni American Chamber of Commerce (YACC)
◦ The Arab American Civil Rights League (ACRL)
◦ The Arab American News (AAN)
◦ What’s Up Media Network (WUMN)
◦ New Generation for Palestine (NGP)
◦ American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)
◦ Lebanese International Business Council (LIBC)
◦ American Muslim Center
Officials:
◦ Assad I. Turfe – Deputy Wayne County Executive
◦ Sam Baydoun – Wayne County Commissioner (Dist.13)
◦ Alabas Farhat – State Representative | 3rd House District
◦ Abdullah H. Hammoud – City of Dearborn Mayor
◦ Michael T. Sareini – Dearborn City Council President
◦ Mustapha Hammoud – Dearborn City Councilman
◦ Kamal Alsawafy– Dearborn City Councilman
◦ Hassan F. Abdallah – Dearborn City Charter Commission Chair
◦ Hussein Hachem – Dearborn City Charter Commissioner
◦ Hussein Berry – Dearborn School Board President
◦ Abraham Aiyash – House Majority Floor Leader | 9th House District
◦ Bill Bazzi – City of Dearborn Heights Mayor
◦ Mo Baydoun – Dearborn Heights City Council President
◦ Hassan Ahmad – Dearborn Heights Council Chair Pro-Tem
◦ Hassan Saab – Dearborn Heights
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AHRC Mission:
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC) is dedicated to defending and protecting human rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution and the United Nations 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The AHRC was formed to protect these rights and advocate for anyone whose rights are being violated or denied. To that end, the AHRC will build a tenacious, objective, and carefully guided advocacy program that will serve to defend individual human rights, whenever and wherever they are being infringed upon. NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC)-United Nations
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NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations
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